Hillcrest High Faculty Member Charged For Having Sexual Contact With Student

TUSCALOOSA, AL — A Hillcrest High School faculty member has been arrested and charged with first-degree sexual abuse and school employee having sexual contact with a student, Tuscaloosa County School System Superintendent Daniel Bray announced Thursday in a message to families.

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The employee, identified by Bray and Tuscaloosa County Jail records as Tyler Armistad, was taken into custody on Thursday.

His bond had not been set on the two felony charges as of the publication of this story.

Bray said Armistad has been placed on administrative leave and will no longer be on the Hillcrest High campus.

Because the case is now being investigated by the Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit's sexual crimes division, Bray said additional details about the charges will come from investigators rather than the school system.

Tuscaloosa Patch has reached out to the Violent Crimes Unit and will update this story accordingly.

“The Tuscaloosa County School System has high expectations for all faculty and staff,” Bray wrote in a message to parents Thursday evening. “We expect our employees to conduct themselves professionally and with honor. TCSS takes all reports of wrongdoing seriously and cooperates with law enforcement to ensure all matters are appropriately resolved. The safety and well-being of students is our first priority.”

Bray emphasized that student privacy laws limit what the district can release publicly, but said families should not assume silence means inaction.

“Just because we do not discuss details of a situation publicly does not mean it is not thoroughly investigated or taken seriously,” he said.

The superintendent acknowledged that incidents of this nature can be distressing for students, families and staff, before saying counselors will be available at Hillcrest High School for any students who need support, he said.

Bray also reminded families of the district’s confidential Speak Up for Safety reporting system, which allows students to report concerns at any time.

“We strive to keep our families informed, and will share any other necessary updates, if they become available,” Bray said. “If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out directly to the TCSS Superintendent’s Office.”

Speak Up for Safety Contacts:

• Email: speakup@tcss.net
• Call or text: (659) 734-2808

This is a developing story. Tuscaloosa Patch will have more information as it becomes available.